Scottish Greens urge governments to reverse trans human rights rollback

The Scottish Greens have issued a call for governments across the UK to reverse what the party describes as a growing “rollback on equality” and an escalation of policies that undermine the human rights of trans and non‑binary people.

Maggie Chapman MSP delivered the warning as part of a year‑end appeal urging policymakers to place basic human rights “at the forefront” of decision‑making in 2026. Chapman highlighted the emotional strain many trans people experience over the festive period - often due to family estrangement, lack of acceptance, or pressure to conceal their identity.

Chapman condemned what she described as “exclusionary legislation” and a political climate in which transphobia is becoming “normalised and entrenched.” According to her, less than 1% of the UK population identifies as trans or non‑binary, yet they are “continually blamed, demonised, threatened and pushed out of public spaces for simply existing.” 

At the centre of the Greens’ concerns is a recent UK Supreme Court ruling which, Chapman argues, is part of a broader governmental pattern of reversing equalities protections. The decision, she said, has amplified fear among trans and non‑binary communities - limiting access to essential facilities such as public toilets and driving many to withdraw from everyday activities due to safety concerns.

“The rollback of rights is not inevitable,” Chapman stressed, calling for a coordinated policy rethink among governments in Scotland, Westminster, and beyond. She emphasised that trans rights are human rights, asserting that everyone deserves safe access to public spaces and services, regardless of gender identity. The Scottish Greens, she added, “will stand in solidarity with our trans and non‑binary siblings today, tomorrow and always.”

The party’s demand for renewed action follows a year of mounting tensions between Scotland’s pro‑equality parties and the UK government. Earlier debates over gender recognition reforms - including a high‑profile UK government veto that blocked Holyrood’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill - have fuelled wider concerns about central government overreach and the erosion of rights for minority groups. 

As the new year approaches, the Scottish Greens insist that policymakers across all levels of government must treat equality as a non‑negotiable priority and end what they characterise as a politically motivated “culture war” against trans people.